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For Bellingham to wants to earn his place once again into the English top team, he would be wise to eliminate the dramatics. His reaction upon realizing that his number was about to come up after a match of mixed performance in the match against Albania fell short of expectations.

"I don’t want to blow it out of proportion but I stick to my words 'behaviour is key' and respect towards the teammates who enter the game," stated Tuchel. "Substitutions happen and you must accept them when you're on the field."

There is a lesson for Bellingham. There was no call for an outburst. The captain had recently scored to make the national team two goals ahead in an inconsequential fixture, the game had six minutes to go and the player, who had not played particularly well, received a caution for bringing down the Albanian striker. It was not a controversial substitution. Indeed it would have been unwise for the head coach to leave Bellingham on given that it was possible Bellingham would rule himself out of the opening game of the competition by picking up a another booking.

Turning the Spotlight Upon Himself

However, the player made himself the center of attention. It was impossible to miss the young midfielder's frustration upon understanding that his replacement was ready for Morgan Rogers. He threw his arms up and while he accepted the coach's hand on his way to the sideline there was no doubt that the manager did not appreciate it.

This is the challenge that Bellingham must overcome. He praised Marcus Rashford for sending in the ball for Kane to score his second of the night, but his other actions was self-defeating. It is not as if protesting was going to reverse the substitution. The German has talked so much about following squad protocols and the importance of showing proper conduct.

In the Spotlight

Bellingham, not included in last month’s squad, has been under scrutiny upon his return to the team this month. Practically he was being assessed and he has not done himself any favours with his response to being taken off as the national team rounded off a ideal group stage by seeing off a spirited effort from their opponents.

The System and the Setup

As a result the jury is out on how England function at their best when Bellingham plays. The evidence here was inconclusive. Tuchel tried new things from Tuchel at the start. Under him, England have gained the team a clear system lately, employing a No 6, a No 8, a No 10 and out-and-out wingers, but there was a different feel versus Albania. Jarell Quansah was given his first cap, Wharton made his first start at this level and the use of the defender as a makeshift midfielder meant there was faint echo to City's historic treble-winning side.

Inconsistent Display

His performance was inconsistent. He set up a shot for his teammate during the second half but at times seemed too desperate to impress. Several rushed, misplaced passes. An unnecessary confrontation with an Albania midfielder in the early stages. England's play was messy during most of the second period. A scoring chance for the opponents came after he lost the ball cheaply. His caution was shown after he was dispossessed to Broja and fouled the attacker.

Depth Makes the Difference

Ultimately the squad's strength was decisive. The coach brought on the Manchester City player, who looked more naturally fitted to the role occupied by Bellingham during the first half, and Bukayo Saka. Later Saka provided a set-piece for the captain to score the first goal. It was a reminder that corners and free-kicks are going to be vital in the upcoming tournament.

Connection Remains

Still, though, the focus was on Bellingham. The brilliance of the winger's delivery for the second goal was a little lost in the ridiculousness of the Rogers substitution. At the end, all eyes were on the midfielder. Tuchel walked up from behind and pushed the Real Madrid midfielder to acknowledge the away supporters. Their connection is not damaged. Tuchel hasn't decided to abandon him at this stage. However, whether he is willing to offer him the central position is not guaranteed.